A vintage flim flam was used Friday afternoon to con an elderly woman out of $8,000, according to the South Boston Police Department.
Two black female subjects who orchestrated the flim flam are still being sought, SBPD Lt. Rick Loftis said.
The incident began in a shopping center's parking lot at 2:30 p.m. The two subjects approached two elderly black females and told them that they had just found a pocket book and wallet which contained a large sum of money, Lt. Loftis explained.
He declined to name the particular shopping center involved.
"They told the victims that they wanted to share their find with them, but they needed $10,000 from them to show 'good faith,'" Lt. Loftis said.
They also told the women they would need to show the cash to their boss so that he could check the serial numbers, he added.
One elderly woman was taken to the her bank by one of the subjects, so she could withdraw $8,000 from her account. The other subject waited at a restaurant at the shopping center with the other elderly woman until they returned, Loftis explained.
The victim did not withdraw her entire savings account, Lt. Loftis pointed out.
When they returned from the bank with the money, the two subjects took the money, saying they were going to give it to their boss to check the serial numbers.
The two elderly women were told to go a store at the end of the shopping center where the boss would have the money, as well as their "share" of the money they said had been found, Lt. Loftis said.
"Of course, when they went to the location, the boss didn't exist and the con artists were gone," he said.
Police are looking for the two subjects and have contacted other law enforcement agencies for any possible leads.
One woman is described a a heavyset black female in her sixties, about 5'6" tall and weighing about 160 pounds. The second woman was described as 45-50 years old, about 5'4" tall, and weighing about 120 pounds.
Police are asking anyone with any information on the incident to call them at the South Boston Police Department at 575-4271 or the Crimestoppers at 575-8477 or 476-8477.
A total stranger walks up, tells you that he or she just found a lot of money, and wants to share it with you. But first, you must withdraw your life savings and give it to them to show "good faith."
It sounds so ridiculous that few people believe it could ever happen to them.
"That's the trouble," pointed out South Boston Police Chief Jim Hall. "Take that false sense of security, throw in a little greed, and such a scam could happen to virtually anybody."
In the wake of Friday's scam which caused an elderly woman to lose $8,000 in savings, police are advising citizens to beware of anybody who offers "something for nothing."
As long as the age-old scam of "found money" continues to work, con-artists will continue to use it, Chief Hall said.
"Generally, these people target the elderly," he explained. "But, if the situation is right, they can and will go after anybody they think they can victimize. Everybody should be on guard."
Judging just who is a con artist is a difficult, but not impossible task, he added.
"A con artist is difficult to detect by looks alone," he said. "But you can often spot him or her by their words or expressions."
Chief Hall outlined those verbal tell-tale sayings as:
Chief Hall also advises ways to handle being approached as the two elderly subjects were last Friday.
"Tell the person, 'Okay, but wait a minute while I call my son (or whomever) and ask his (or her) advice on what I should do,'" Chief Hall said.
"If the person immediately disappears or if they say something like 'Oh, no, this has to be our secret or I can't let you have your share' then you know you are being conned," he pointed out.
Chief Hall also asked that warnings, especially to the elderly, should be passed along throughout the county in such gatherings as church or meetings, even family get-togethers.
"Everybody should just take some time aside to pass the word out about this type of criminal activity," Chief Hall said.
"When you see someone who has saved money all their lives and then to have it taken away like that, it's just heart-breaking," he reflected. "It's enough to make your blood boil."
For more information about flim flam operations or to arrange a Crime Prevention Officer to give a presentation on the topic to a civic or church group, contact the South Boston Police Department at 575-4271.
Beginning today and continuing through next Monday, the five candidates for South Boston Town Council positions are being afforded an opportunity to deliver their messages to prospective voters.
This is being done through a package of seven questions put to each candidate, and their answers, beginning today, will be found in today's paper, Friday's edition and Monday's edition.
Today, the candidates will answer the first three questions, which are:
1. Why are the running for Town Council? Please state reasons.
2. What do you believe are the town's greatest needs? How do you propose to satisfy these needs?
3. What are your goals for South Boston for the next two years?
Questions to be answered Friday are these:
4. Were you in favor of the recent boundary adjustments? Please explain the reasons for your answer.
5. If present law continues, South Boston would be eligible for another annexation in 12 years. Would you be in favor? Please explain your reasoning.
6. There has been much said about "consolidation of services" by South Boston and Halifax County. Please give your thoughts on this issue.
Next Monday, the candidates will respond to the final proposition, which is:
7. Please state, in 200 words or less, why a citizen of South Boston should vote for you for Town Council on May 5.
The format to be followed in getting the candidates' messages out is this:
Question No. 1 will be presented, and all five candidates will respond. Then Question No. 2 will be posed and answered, and so on to the other queries.
Why are you running for Town Council: Please state reasons.
Marshall
I am running for Council for the following reasons:
1. I have excellent qualifications with direct and varied but related work experiences. See my advertisement listing my qualifications.
2. I am imaginative, flexible, and possess an innovative style which is necessary to address old problems and respond to new challenges.
3. I have a deep concern for an improved quality of life and standard of living for all of the community.
4. As a three term legislative appointee to the State Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, I bring tot he table a sound background in fiscal policies.
5. I have concern for public safety and a strong police presence in South Boston.
6. I have a demonstrated willingness to lower taxes, and to provide essential services for the well being of our citizens and businesses. I have a vision which supports our community programs in recreation, housing, health care and cultural activities, just to name a few.
Owens
I am running for Town Council because I recognize that there are some problems here and I would like to be part of the solution. It is evident that a tremendous amount of deterioration has occurred, especially recently, with the relationships between the Town of South Boston and the County of Halifax., as well as factions within each. I have listened to and heard the voices of many of the citizens throughout the cornmunity. These voices are speaking out about the what they perceive the problems in our area to be. What I have heard them say is that the decision-making process is ineffective and exclusive of their voices and their concerns. There is a concern that information and communication channels are not two -way channels. I am interested in listening to A substantial number of my constituents petition me to seek this office, they know that I'm a people person. I have no historic baggage I can look and give new perspective to the global~ needs to Halifax County in South Boston. I can see the BIG Picture. There is a gap between govermnent and the people and I feel that I can be part of closing that gap. I'm not afraid to stick to the job until its completed. I will be that voice that represent the people.
Raab
Why am I running for Town Council? I am running because I believe I have the experience and background to make a common sense difference on Town Council.
Wilborn
I am seeking a second term on the Town Council with the intent to set forth what I have learned and apply it to issues that best benefit "Our Community." I feel that I can contribute aspects from the working class' s point of view. I can best represent this view by serving as a Town Councilman.
Payne-Williams
A substantial number of my constituents petition me to seek this office, they know that I'm a people person. I have no historic baggage I can look and give new perspective to the global~ needs to Halifax County in South Boston. I can see the BIG Picture. There is a gap between govermnent and the people and I feel that I can be part of closing that gap. I'm not afraid to stick to the job until its completed. I will be that voice that represent the people.
What do you believe are the town's greatest needs? How do you propose to satisfy these needs?
Marshall
I am concerned about the high rat eof unemployment and the dropout rate of our students. One of my greatest concerns is having a broader, diverse and healthy economy. We need better training for our work force in order to foster economic development. This means that we must retain, expand, and attract more industries and commercial enterprises. In order to do this, we must be the kind of community that is financially, aesthetically, culturally, and generally an attractive place to work and prosper. We must offer amenities for people and their families who live in South Boston and the area: such as a good recreation program, a superb educational system, and other family oriented activities.
We must provide a secure and safe environment which can only be ensured by having a strong police force. The affirmation of many people to whom I have talked on the campaign trail confirms that our police department is doing a good job. I would continue to fund and support this department in order to keep it viable.
Owens
I believe the town's greatest needs are:
A) Economic Development: The town and county must exhibit true cooperation in their interactions. It is essential that the Town create and maintain a reasonable tax structure that will be attractive to new and expanding businesses. These two accomplishments will help us attract diverse new businesses and expand existing ones.
Fiscal Responsibility: We must provide maximum services to our taxpayers for their tax dollars. Each citizen deserves a dollar's worth of services for a dollar's worth of taxes paid. Decision-making must be based on accurate and current data.
Safety: We must maintain an efficient and effective town police force to provide high levels of enforcement and sense of security throughout the entire town limits. Without public safety, all else vaporizes. Without adequate public safety, there can be no commerce, no education, and no recreation. Without public safety there is nothing left but conflict, chaos, and fear. The perception and provision of public safety is crucial.
Effective Representation: Town Council representatives must identify with and respond appropriately to the voices of the people.
Raab
The town's greatest need is to realize that we are a town and no longer an independent city. We need to have a much better working relationship with the county, realizing that we are one community. We all need to work together to provide the needed jobs and keep our economy moving forward. The county and town should not be in competition with one another. We need to work together to compete in the world market.
Wilborn
I feel that one of the town's greatest needs is to establish a more direct and stable line of communication with the county. There needs to be more trust in the area that concerns important debate issues. We need to reach a common ground, so that the needs of all of the people are best served.
Payne-Williams
a. Town & County a workable relationship
Establishing a workable relationship with the County Board of Supervisors to develop a trust relationship. Advocate the establishment of a local government sub-committee, made up of three (3) representatives from SoBo Town Council and Halifax Board of Supervisors to establish on going meetings to discuss area of mutual interest and concerns and report the fmding back to their respective govermnental bodies.
b. Industrial and Economic Development
Continuing to work with the Economic Development Commissioner, the Industrial Development Authority and Halifax County Chamber of Commerce in marketing our community for further growth in development. Pay very special attention to the full development of Aubrey Houghton Industrial Park.
Lower the BPOL tax by 25% over the next 3 fiscal years.
c. Safety
Working with our law enforcement for safe neighborhoods which will bring our community to a more comfortably level.
d. Education
We have one of the highest dropout rate in South Side Virginia. I would put forth every effort to prevent dropouts by working to establish tutorial programs in the community.
Assist the at-risk students by working through the local churches and other community organizations. Our local churches need to become a legitimate partner in assisting our children.
Supporting the Community Education Center
What are your goals for South Boston for the next two years?
Marshall
I propose to make a real effort to have a richer, fuller employment base, a good educational system, and economic development options which are documented by the joint resolutions which the county and town passed in December as stated goals.
Our waste water and our water systems have not been given attention in decades, we must upgrade these aging facilities in order to accommodate future growth. In the coming years we must create an up to date system to be able to compete with North Carolina, other government sin the commonwealth, and indeed in a global economy. We must encourage and provide for harmonious and wise land use. We must also stimulate physical, social and economic development which will move the community forward while protecting the environment.
I am positively committed and dedicated toward fiscally lessening the tax burden for all of South Boston citizens while providing a high level of services that is budgetarily sound, that will continue to be balanced, and yet improve the quality of life and standard of living in this community. I propose to look at further reducing the BPOL and consumer utility tax to augment the recent tax relief recommended in our current budget.
I want to work to provide a clean, safe, healthy, desirable and forward looking community which will provide a place where people want to remain, and invest of themselves, their capital, and their talents.
Owens
One of my goals for South Boston in the next two years is to ensure that our community, not only the Town, continues to experience economic growth and development. I believe that what effects one part of our community effects our entire community. Another goal that I have for South Boston is to make sure that our tax dollars are spent as wisely as possible while we maintain high levels of service to our citizens. Within the next two years I hope that the elected officials of the town of South Boston and Halifax County will develop a more positive and trusting working relationship that will be mutually beneficial.
Raab
My goals are:
1) Establish a better relationship with Halifax County.
2) Provide the maximum amount of services to our citizens with the least amount of taxes.
3) Change Town Council's meeting night so as not to conflict with Halifax County Board of Supervisors' meetings.
4) Schedule less executive session meetings and provide advance notification of where and when Town Council meets.
5) Limit Council members to two consecutive terms.
Wilborn
My primary goal is to aide with the progress of the boundary adjustments. It is irrelevant to whether I was in favor or not, this was a decision of Council. We need to do our best to make it work for everyone.
Payne-Williams
a. Working to decrease the BPOL tax
b. Establishing a workable relationship with Town and County.
c. Education
d. Enhancing a safety environment by strongly supporting our local Police Department.
By MICHAEL J. SNIFFEN
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Liggett & Myers Inc., smallest of the big five cigarette-makers, agreed today to cooperate with the Justice Department's criminal investigation of the tobacco industry.
The agreement, the first of its kind with a major tobacco company, did not contain any grant of immunity from prosecution, the department announced. Liggett had sought immunity in discussions with prosecutors, officials had said.
The Durham, N.C., company and its parent, Liggett Group Inc. of New York, agreed to provide complete and accurate information about:
-Industry knowledge of the health consequences of smoking cigarettes and the addictive nature of nicotine.
-Targeting of children and adolescents as customers.
-Manipulation of nicotine levels in tobacco products.
Liggett also agreed to describe for prosecutors the control of research by the Council for Tobacco Research, including special projects conducted under the council's auspices, and the involvement of lawyers in directing research or crafting false or misleading statements by any of the tobacco companies to Congress, the Food and Drug Administration and American consumers.
The company agreed to help prosecutors obtain relevant evidence, including evidence of crimes and fraud contained in documents the tobacco companies continue to refuse to disclose on grounds of attorney-client or attorney-work product privileges.
In February, a source familiar with the investigation had said that Liggett was offering to make its scientists and other experts available to the government for use in its three-year-old investigation.
Among the allegations the department is probing is whether industry officials lied to Congress in 1994 when they testified to having no knowledge of nicotine's addictive qualities or adverse health affects from smoking and whether they submitted false data to the FDA.
Liggett, which is owned by Brooke Group Ltd. and markets L&M, Chesterfield, Eve and Lark cigarettes in the United States, broke with bigger companies last year in reaching an earlier settlement with 22 states that sued the industry to recover Medicaid funds spent on treating smokers.
It also was the first company to list ingredients on its cigarette packs.
South Boston Town Council is proposing a change in its regular meeting date in order to avoid a conflict with the regular meetings of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors.
Council is advertising an amendment to the Town Code which will permit the meeting to be held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday in each month.
The change as proposed would take effect on July 1.
The change is one that has been called for by a number of people in the aftermath of the South Boston boundary adjustment January 1.
Their reasoning, they said, would permit interested parties to attend both the Council and Supervisors meetings.
At the present time, both governing bodies hold their monthly meetings on the first Monday night.
Two people escaped with minor injuries Monday afternoon during a collision that involved four tractor trailers, according to the Virginia State Police.
The 2:15 p.m. crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 58 and U.S. 360 in Riverdale when a tractor trailer turned onto U.S. 360 into the path of a westbound tractor trailer, police said.
Two other tractor trailers, which were stopped at the traffic light waiting to turn in opposite directions onto U.S. 58, were damaged in the resulting melee, according to the investigation.
Robert Lee Alexander, 65, of Chase City was charged with failure to yield right-of-way after he attempted to make a left turn onto U.S. 360 in a 1991 GMC White tractor trailer, police said.
His rig, which was carrying a load of gypson board, was struck in the trailer section by a 1991 Volvo tractor trailer driven by John George Staples, 61, of Ridgeway.
Alexander's trailer went over the top of the Volvo's hood and severely damaged the cab section of the rig. Alexander sustained several cuts to his head, according to the investigation.
The load of gypson board broke lose during the impact and flew forwards, striking a stationary tractor trailer driven by Jeffrey Scott Canada, 37, of Phoenix, Va., police said. Canada's rig was waiting to turn west onto U.S. 58.
A fourth tractor trailer driven by Andrew Lee Blackwell, 28, of Lawrenceville, Va. was also stationary at the intersection waiting to turn east onto U.S. 58. His vehicle was struck by the Staples' rig, police explained. Blackwell complained of back injuries, police said.
Alexander's vehicle sustained an estimated $90,000 in damages, while Staples' rig sustained an estimated $30,000 in damages, according to the investigation.
The other two rigs each sustained an estimated $900 in damages, police said.
The incident was investigated by Virginia State Trooper S.M. Krantz.
In another wrecking involving a tractor trailer last Friday charges of defective equipment were lodged against a South Boston man.
Raymond Thomas Howerton, 49, of South Boston was driving a 1989 Kenworth which was towing another vehicle, police said. He was not injured.
The connection piece and safety chain broke, causing the towed vehicle to run off the right side of the road where it struck a tree, according to the investigation.
The 5:15 a.m. incident occurred on Rt. 678, two-tenths of a mile east of Rt. 781. Damages to the vehicle were estimated at $8,000.
The incident was investigated by Virginia State Trooper D.T. Conner.
Odell Oliver Crews of Scottsburg died Friday, April 24, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 90.
Mrs. Crews was born in Halifax County on October 16, 1907.
Survivors include three daughters, Jolena Boyd of Brooklyn, NY, Ada Jackson and Ellen Crews, both of Scottsburg; four sons, Stanford and James Crews of Richmond, Nathaniel Crews Jr. of Rocky Mount, NC and Joe Crews of Queens, NY; 26 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Crews were held Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m.
at Crystal Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Louis Leigh Sr. officiating. Burial
was in the church cemetery.
Deacon Willie Street of Scottsburg died Friday, April 24, 1998 at Salem Veterans Medical Center at the age of 103.
Mr. Street was born in Halifax County on November 26, 1894.
Survivors include one daughter, Lennie Patterson of Roanoke; one granddaughter, Audrey Luck of Atlanta, GA and three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nellie Buster of New York, NY, and Bettie Canty of South Boston; one brother, Dock Street of Danville; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Street will be held today, April 29 at 11 a.m.
at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Scottsburg with Rev. Whitfield Scott officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Martha Trickey Thomas of 103 Rosehill Drive, South Boston died Monday, April 27, 1998 at The Woodview. She was 92 years of age at the time of his death.
Mrs. Thomas was born October 6, 1905 in Halifax County the daughter of Henry Nathan Trickey and Elizabeth Shotwell Trickey and was married to L.Z. Thomas. She was a lifetime member of Harmony United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at Harmony United Methodist Church today, April 29 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Harvey Warnick officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
Survivors of Mrs. Thomas include one daughter and son-in-law, Faye T. and Terry Fuller of Roxboro, NC; two grandsons, Kenneth Thomas Jr. and his wife Faye of Woodstock, and Jason L. Wilson of Roxboro; two granddaughters, Sharon T. Brewer of Woodstock and Amanda W. Drawbaugh and her husband Rob of Kernersville, NC; and three great-grandchildren, Erynn D. Lohman and Leigh P. Thomas, both of Woodstock and John Parker Drawbaugh of Kernersville.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Harmony United Methodist Church.
Kevin Lee Jennings of 5131 Chestnut Road, Nathalie died Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 14 years of age at the time of his death.
He was born in Halifax County on May 20, 1983 the son of Ronnie Lee Jennings and Dale Saunders Jennings.
Survivors include his mother and father of Nathalie; one sister, Tabitha Michelle Jennings of Nathalie; his paternal grandmother, Mavis Clay Jennings of Nathalie; and his maternal grandparents, Louis and Barbara Saunders of Nathalie. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert Lee Jennings, and one brother, Shawn Michael Jennings.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 30 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Republican Grove with Rev. Shelton Miles conducting the service. Burial will take place in the Saunders family cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, April 29 from 7:00 until 8:00 and other times at the home of his parents, 5131 Chestnut Road, Nathalie.
John "Elmer" Pointer died April 22, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 94.
Mr. Pointer was born June 16, 1903 in Cornwall, NY to Priscilla Narcissus (Brandon) and Kelly Pointer. He was married to Sophie Brandon.
His survivors include his children: John Shapiro, Kelly, and Sara (Cruz); six grandchildren: Susan Francis, Tracy Hall, John and Glenn Pointer, Michael and Indira Cruz; two sisters: Nannie Johnson and Dorothy Wenstley of Alton; brother: Johnnie Pointer of Alton; daughter-in-law: Olivia Pointer; son-in-law: Mario Cruz, and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Elmer and his wife, Sophie.
Funeral services were held Sunday, April 26 at Greater Brandon Chapel Baptist Church in Alton with the Rev. Dr. H.R. Surgeon officiating.